ASTM D4096-91(2009)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Suspended Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere (High-Volume Sampler Method)
Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Suspended Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere (High-Volume Sampler Method)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The Hi-Vol sampler is commonly used for the collection of the airborne particulate component of the atmosphere. Some physical and chemical parameters of the collected particulate matter are dependent upon the physical characteristics of the collection system and the choice of filter media. A variety of options available for the Hi-Vol sampler give it broad versatility and allow the user to develop information about the size and quantity of airborne particulate material and, using subsequent chemical analytical techniques, information about the chemical properties of the particulate matter.
This test method presents techniques that when uniformly applied, provide measurements suitable for intersite comparisons.
This test method measures the atmosphere presented to the sampler with good precision, but the actual dust levels in the atmosphere can vary widely from one location to another. This means that sampler location may be of paramount importance, and may impose far greater variability of results than any lack of precision in the method of measurement. In particular, localized dust sources may exert a major influence over a very limited area immediately adjacent to such sources. Examples include unpaved streets, vehicle traffic on roadways with a surface film of dust, building demolition and construction activity, or nearby industrial plants with dust emissions. In some cases, dust levels measured close to such sources may be several times the community wide levels exclusive of such localized effects (see Practice D 1357).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides for sampling a large volume of atmosphere, 1600 to 2400 m3 (55 000 to 85 000 ft3), by means of a high flow-rate vacuum pump at a rate of 1.13 to 1.70 m3/min (40 to 60 ft3/min) (1, 2, 3 and 4).
1.2 This flow rate allows suspended particles having diameters of less than 100 μm (stokes equivalent diameter) to be collected. However, the collection efficiencies for particles larger than 20 μm decreases with increasing particle size and it varies widely with the angle of the wind with respect to the roof ridge of the sampler shelter and with increasing speed (5). When glass fiber filters are used, particles within the size range of 100 to 0.1 μm diameters or less are ordinarily collected.
1.3 The upper limit of mass loading will be determined by plugging of the filter medium with sample material, which causes a significant decrease in flow rate (see 6.4). For very dusty atmospheres, shorter sampling periods will be necessary. The minimum amount of particulate matter detectable by this method is 3 mg (95 % confidence level). When the sampler is operated at an average flow rate of 1.70 m3/min (60 ft3/min) for 24 h, this is equivalent to 1 to 2 μg/m3 (3).
1.4 The sample that is collected may be subjected to further analyses by a variety of methods for specific constituents.
1.5 Values stated in SI units shall be regarded as the standard. Inch-pound units are shown for information only.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: D4096 − 91 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Total Suspended Particulate Matter in the
Atmosphere (High–Volume Sampler Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4096; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method provides for sampling a large volume
3 3
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
of atmosphere, 1600 to 2400 m (55 000 to 85 000 ft ), by
Atmospheres
means of a high flow-rate vacuum pump at a rate of 1.13 to
3 3 2
D3631 Test Methods for Measuring Surface Atmospheric
1.70 m /min (40 to 60 ft /min) (1, 2, 3 and 4).
Pressure
1.2 This flow rate allows suspended particles having diam-
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
eters of less than 100 µm (stokes equivalent diameter) to be
2.2 Other Documents:
collected. However, the collection efficiencies for particles
EPA-600/9-76-005 Quality Assurance Handbook for Air
larger than 20 µm decreases with increasing particle size and it
Pollution Measurement Systems, Vol I, Principles (De-
varies widely with the angle of the wind with respect to the 4
cember 1984 Rev.)
roof ridge of the sampler shelter and with increasing speed (5).
EPA-600/4-77-027a Quality Assurance Handbook for Air
When glass fiber filters are used, particles within the size range
Pollution Measurement Systems, Vol II, Ambient Air
of 100 to 0.1 µm diameters or less are ordinarily collected.
Specific Methods
1.3 The upper limit of mass loading will be determined by
3. Terminology
plugging of the filter medium with sample material, which
causes a significant decrease in flow rate (see 6.4). For very
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of other terms used in this
dusty atmospheres, shorter sampling periods will be necessary. test method, refer to Terminology D1356.
The minimum amount of particulate matter detectable by this 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
method is 3 mg (95 % confidence level). When the sampler is 3.2.1 absolute filter—a filter or filter medium of ultra-high
3 3
collection efficiency for very small particles (submicrometre
operatedatanaverageflowrateof1.70m /min(60ft /min)for
size)sothatessentiallyallparticlesofinterestorofconcernare
24 h, this is equivalent to 1 to 2 µg/m (3).
collected. Commonly, the efficiency is in the region of 99.95 %
1.4 The sample that is collected may be subjected to further
or higher for a standard aerosol of 0.3-µm diameter (see
analyses by a variety of methods for specific constituents.
Practice D2986).
1.5 Values stated in SI units shall be regarded as the
3.2.2 Hi-Vol (The High-Volume Air Sampler)—a device for
standard. Inch-pound units are shown for information only.
sampling large volumes of an atmosphere, collection of the
contained particulate matter by filtration, and consisting of a
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
high-capacity air mover, a filter to collect suspended particles,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and means for measuring, or controlling, or both, the flow rate.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.3 primary flow-rate standard—a device or means of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
measuring flow rate based on direct primary observations, such
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
as time and physical dimensions.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air
Quality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.03 on Ambient For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Atmospheres and Source Emissions. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved March 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D4096 – 91 (2003). the ASTM website.
DOI: 10.1520/D4096-91R09. Available from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Moni-
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of toringSystemsLaboratory,QualityAssuranceDivision,ResearchTrianglePark,NC
this practice. 27711. Attn: Distribution Record System.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4096 − 91 (2009)
3.2.4 secondary flow-rate standard—Aflow-rate-measuring 5.3 This test method measures the atmosphere presented to
device, such as an orifice meter, that has been calibrated the sampler with good precision, but the actual dust levels in
against a primary standard. the atmosphere can vary widely from one location to another.
This means that sampler location may be of paramount
3.2.5 spirometer—a displacement gasometer consisting of
importance, and may impose far greater variability of results
an inverted bell resting upon or sealed by liquid (or other
than any lack of precision in the method of measurement. In
means) and capable of showing the amount of gas added to or
particular, localized dust sources may exert a major influence
withdrawnfromthebellbythedisplacement(riseorfall)ofthe
over a very limited area immediately adjacent to such sources.
bell.
Examples include unpaved streets, vehicle traffic on roadways
3.2.6 working flow-rate standard—a flow rate measuring
with a surface film of dust, building demolition and construc-
device, such as an orifice meter, that has been calibrated
tion activity, or nearby industrial plants with dust emissions. In
against a secondary flow-rate standard. The working flow-rate
some cases, dust levels measured close to such sources may be
standard is used to calibrate a flow measuring or flow rate
several times the community wide levels exclusive of such
indicating instrument.
localized effects (see Practice D1357).
3.2.7 constant flow high-volume sampler—a high volume
sampler that is equipped with a constant flow control device.
6. Interferences
6.1 Large extraneous objects, such as insects, may be swept
4. Summary of Test Method
into the filter and become weighed unnoticed.
4.1 This test method describes typical equipment, opera-
6.2 Liquid aerosols, such as oil mists and fog droplets, are
tional procedures, and a means of calibration of the equipment
retained by the filter. If the amount of liquid so collected is
using an orifice flowrate meter. (See also Annex A1.)
sizable, the filter can become wet and its function and mass
4.2 Air is drawn into a covered housing and through a filter
impaired.
by means of a high-flow-rate air mover, so that particulate
material collects on the filter surface. 6.3 Any gaseous or vaporous constituent of the atmosphere
under test that is reactive with or sorptive upon the filter or its
4.3 The amount of particulate matter accumulated on the
collected matter will be retained and weighed as particulate
filter over a specified period of time is measured by weighing
matter.
a preweighed filter after exposure.The flow rate of air sampled
is measured over the test period. The result is expressed in
6.4 As the filter becomes loaded with collected matter, the
termsofparticulatemasscollected(orloading)perunitvolume
sampling rate is reduced. If a significant drop in flow rate
of air sampled, usually as micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m ).
occurs, the average of the initial and final flow rate calculated
The volume of air sampled is recorded by measurement of the
in 10.1 will not give an accurate estimate of total flow during
device flow rate(s).
the sampling period. The magnitude of such errors will depend
on the amount of reduction of airflow rate and on the variation
4.4 The volume of air sampled is determined by means of a
of the mass concentration of dust with time during the 24-h
flow-rate indicator. The instrument flow-rate indicator is cali-
sampling period. As an approximate guideline, any sample
brated against a reference orifice meter. The latter is a working
should be suspect if the final flow rate is less than one half the
standardwhich,inturn,hasbeencalibratedagainstasecondary
initial rate. A continuous record of flow rate will indicate the
flow meter certified by the U.S. National Institute of Standards
occurrence of this problem, or a constant-flow high-volume
and Technology.
sampler may be used to eliminate the problem.
4.5 Airborne particulate matter retained on the filter may be
6.5 The possibility of power failure or voltage change
examined or analyzed by a variety of methods. Specific
during the test period would lead to an error, depending on the
procedures are not included in this method but are the subject
extentandtimedurationofsuchfailure.Acontinuousrecordof
of separate standard methods.
flow rate is desirable.
5. Significance and Use
6.6 Thepassiveloadingofthefilterthatcanoccurifitisleft
5.1 The Hi-Vol sampler is commonly used for the collection
in place for any time prior to or following a sampling period
of the airborne particulate component of the atmosphere. Some
can introduce significant error. For unattended operation, a
physical and chemical parameters of the collected particulate
sampler equipped with shutters shall be used.
matter are dependent upon the physical characteristics of the
6.7 If two or more samplers are used at a given location,
collection system and the choice of filter media. A variety of
they should be placed at least2m(6ft) apart so that one
options available for the Hi-Vol sampler give it broad versa-
sampler will not affect the results of an adjacent sampler.
tility and allow the user to develop information about the size
6.8 Wind tunnel studies have shown significant possible
and quantity of airborne particulate material and, using subse-
sampling errors as a function of sampler orientation in atmo-
quent chemical analytical techniques, information about the
spheres containing high relative concentrations of large par-
chemical properties of the particulate matter.
ticles (5).
5.2 This test method presents techniques that when uni-
formly applied, provide measurements suitable for intersite 6.9 Metal dusts from motors, especially copper, may sig-
comparisons. nificantly contaminate samples under some conditions.
D4096 − 91 (2009)
6.10 Under some conditions, atmospheric SO and NO 7.5 Barograph or Barometer, capable of measuring to the
2 x
may interfere with the total mass determination (6). nearest 0.1 kPa (1 mm Hg) meeting the requirements of Test
Methods D3631.
7. Apparatus
7.6 Thermometer—ASTM Thermometer 33C, meeting the
7.1 The essential features of a typical high-volume sampler
requirements of Specification E1.
are shown in the diagram of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. It is a compact
7.7 Clock, capable of indicating 24 h 6 2 min.
unit consisting of a protective housing, an electric motor-
driven, high-speed, high-volume air mover, a filter holder
7.8 Flow-Rate Recorder, capable of recording to the nearest
3 3
capable of supporting a 203 by 254-mm (8 by 10-in.) filter at
0.03 m /min (1.0 ft /min).
the forward or entrance end, and at the exit end, means for
7.9 Differential Manometer, capable of measuring to 4 kPa
either indicating or controlling the air flow rate, or both, over
(40 mm Hg).
3 3
the range of 1.13 to 1.70 m /min (40 to 60 ft /min). Designs
also exist in which a flow controller is located between the
8. Reagents and Materials
filter and the blower. For unattended operation, a sampler
equipped with shutters to protect the filter is required. 8.1 Filter Medium:
8.1.1 In general, the choice of a filter medium will depend
7.2 A calibrator kit is required. This contains a working
on the purpose of the test. For any given standard test method
flow-ratestandardofappropriaterangeintheformofanorifice
the appropriate medium will be specified. However, it is
with its own calibration curve. The kit includes also a set of
important to be aware of certain filter characteristics that can
five flow-control plates. These kits are available from most
affect selection and use.
supply houses that deal in apparatus for air sampling and
8.1.2 Glass-Fiber Filter Medium—This type is most widely
analysis.
used for determination of mass loading. Weight stability with
7.3 A large desiccator or air conditioned room is required
respect to moisture is an attractive feature. High-efficiency or
for filter conditioning, storage, and weighing. Filters must be
absolute types are preferred and will collect all airborne
stored and conditioned at a temperature of 15 to 27°C and a
particles of practically every size and description. The follow-
relative humidity between 0 and 50 %.
ing characteristics are typical:
7.4 An analytical balance capable of reading to 0.1 mg, and
Fiber content All-glass-usually mixed sizes
havingacapacityofatleast5gisnecessary.Itisverydesirable
Binder Below 5 % (zero for binderless types)
Thickness Approximately 0.5 mm
to have a weighing chamber of adequate size with a support
Pinholes None
that is capable of accommodating the filter without rolling or
DOP smoke test (Practice 0.05 % penetration, 981 Pa (100 mm of water)
folding it or exposing it to drafts during the weighing opera-
D2986) at 8.53 m/min (28 ft/min)
tion.
Particulate matter collected on glass-fiber medium can be
analyzed for many constituents. If chemical analysis is con-
templated binderless filters should be used. It must be borne in
mind, however, that glass is a commercial product generally
containing test-contaminating materials. The high ratio of
surface area to glass volume permits extraction of such
contaminants, especially if strong reagents are employed.
8.1.3 Silica Fiber Filters—Where it may be required or
desirable to use a mineral fiber filter, which may later be
extracted by strong reagents, silica fiber filters can be used.
Such fibers are usually made by leaching glass fibers with
strong mineral acids followed by washing with deionized
water. The fibers are rather weak but can be formed into filter
sheets using little or no binder. These filters are commercially
available (7).
8.1.4 Cellulose Papers—Forsomepurposesitisdesirableto
collect airborne particles on cellulose fiber filters. Low-ash
papers are especially useful where the filter is to be destroyed
by ignition or chemical digestion. However, these papers have
higher flow resistance (lower sampling rate) and have been
reported to have much poorer collection efficiency than the
glassfibermedia (8).Furthermore,celluloseisverysensitiveto
moisture co
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